Wednesday, July 22, 2015

China, Japan, UAE , Singapore and India was Sri Lanka's top import source during the first five months of this year, the Central Bank said here today.

These nations accounted for 60 per cent of the total imports of Sri Lanka which amounts to USD 1,585 million. The country wise breakdown of foreign trade was not given.

"Total import expenditure in May 2015 increased for the second consecutive month recording a significant increase of 17.2 per cent, year-on-year, to USD 1,585 million led by vehicle imports, which include personal motor vehicles categorised under consumer goods and commercial vehicles categorised under investment goods," the bank said.

The import of motor vehicles has increased over 87 per cent year on year, while the import of transport equipment has increased by over 177 per cent year on year, mainly due to the increase in autorickshaws, it said.

Meanwhile, earnings from exports further moderated in May 2015 to US dollars 883 million, recording a marginal decline of 0.1 per cent, year-on-year, the bank said.

Despite the significant improvement recorded in exports of textile and garments, lower performance in tea, Economic Research Department sea food and gem, diamond and jewellery exports contributed to this decline, it added.

India once again was among the top five sources of tourist arrivals in May 2015 followed by China, UK, Germany and France.

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

I put my carry-on in the luggage compartment and sat down in my assigned seat. It was going to be a long flight from Gatwick. I'm glad I have a good book to read Perhaps I will get a short sleep,' I thought.

Just before take-off, a line of British Army Youngsters came down the aisle and filled all the vacant seats, totally surrounding me. I decided to start a conversation. 'Where are you blokes headed?' I asked the young man seated nearest to me. ' Cyprus . We'll be there for two weeks for special training, and then we're being deployed to Afghanistan .

After flying for about an hour, an announcement was made that lunches were available for five pounds. It would be several hours before we reached Cyprus , and I quickly decided a lunch would help pass the time. As I reached for my wallet, I overheard a soldier ask his mate if he planned to buy lunch. 'No, that seems like a lot of money for just an airline lunch. Probably wouldn't be worth five Quid. I'll wait till we get to Cyprus '. His mate agreed.

I looked around at the other soldiers. None were buying lunch. I walked to the back of the plane and handed the flight attendant a fifty Pound note. 'Take a lunch to all those soldiers..' She grabbed my arms and squeezed tightly. Her eyes wet with tears, she thanked me. 'My young bloke was a soldier in Iraq , it's almost like you are doing it for him..'

Picking up ten lunch boxes, she headed up the aisle to where the boys were seated. She stopped at my seat and asked, 'Which do you like best - beef or chicken?'

'Chicken,' I replied, wondering why she asked..

She turned and went to the front of plane, returning a minute later with a dinner plate from first class. This is your thanks.

After we finished eating, I went again to the back of the plane, heading for the rest room. An old bloke stopped me. 'I saw what you did. I want to be part of it. Here, take this.' He handed me twenty-five Pounds.

Soon after I returned to my seat, I saw the Captain coming down the aisle, looking at the aisle numbers as he walked, I hoped he wasn't looking for me, but noticed he was looking at the numbers only on my side of the plane. When he got to my row he stopped, smiled, held out his hand, and said, 'I want to shake your hand.'

Quickly unfastening my seat-belt I stood and took the Captain's hand. With a booming voice he said, 'I was an army pilot a long time back. Once someone bought me lunch. It was an act of kindness I never forgot.' I was embarrassed when applause was heard from all of the passengers.

Later I walked to the front of the plane so I could stretch my legs. A kid who looked about 18 was sitting about six rows in front of me reached out his hand, wanting to shake mine. He left another twenty-five Pounds In my palm.

When we landed I gathered my belongings and started to depart. Waiting just inside the aeroplane door was a man who stopped me, put something in my shirt pocket, turned, and walked away without saying a word. Another twenty-five Pounds!

Upon entering the terminal, I saw the soldiers gathering for their Trip up to their training area.. I walked over to them and handed them seventy-five Pounds. 'It will take you some time to reach your training area. It will be about time for a sandwich. God Bless You Blokes.'

Ten young blokes left that flight feeling the love and respect of their fellow Brits. As I walked briskly to my car, I whispered a prayer for their safe return. These soldiers were giving their all for our country. I could only give them a couple of meals. It seemed so little...

Such Serviceman, whether British or Sri Lankan, are those who, at some point in their lives, will write a blank cheque made payable to 'My Country' for a sum of 'up to and including my life.' That is Honour, and there are way too many foreigners in this country who don't understand it.

And here in Sri Lanka, the Politicians not only rob our Citizens of Millions and Billions of Dollars but are also robbing the DEAD Soldiers who gave their lives for their Country and their Countrymen. Arise with determination and DRIVE OUT these SCOUNDRELS with the power of your vote. Try your best to educate the poor and illiterate who are victims of Bribery, or else one day AMERICA and the WEST will repeat what they have done in IRAQ & LIBYA to our Country.